1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

121 MOT tests in 2024. 61.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time61.2%
Failed or needed repairs38.8%
Typical mileage at test129,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 121 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits8.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.8%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.8%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  5. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.1%
  7. Washers: not working3.3%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected3.3%
    11 marked dangerous
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics26.4%
  2. Suspension25.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks19.8%
  4. Brakes14.9%
  5. Body & chassis13.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  7. Steering5.8%
  8. Tyres5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.0%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn14.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Forester years2000 Forester →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 61.2% of 1999 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 121 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Subaru Forester?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; position lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).